The Car Connection Expert Review

The Lexus IS 250 sedan is virtually indistinguishable from the IS 350 sedan, with the most significant difference found under the hood and out on the open road.

While the Lexus IS 350 sedan gets a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that gives this compact sport sedan very strong acceleration, the IS 250 has quite a different, understated personality—mostly due to its smaller, 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 engine. The IS 250 can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive, while the IS 350 comes only with all-wheel drive. Between the two, we’d recommend against an IS 250 with the six-speed automatic transmission as it’s just a little sluggish; with the manual transmission the IS 250 feels like a real driver’s car, with nice balanced handling and good poise. There’s not much of a real-world fuel economy difference between the two, however both engines require premium unleaded gas.

The IS isn’t particularly roomy inside, nor is it a safety standout, but it can be loaded with high-tech features, including a rear backup camera, a voice-activated navigation system, ventilated front seats, and a Mark Levinson audio system.

For more information, visit our 2010 Lexus IS 350 review, where you’ll find more pictures, specs, and news.

Very happy with my Lexus IS

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I love my 2013 Lexus IS 250; bought it new. Because it was the last model year before the redesign in 2014 it doesn’t have a lot of technology extras found in the new version, but I don’t mind because I...
I love my 2013 Lexus IS 250; bought it new. Because it was the last model year before the redesign in 2014 it doesn’t have a lot of technology extras found in the new version, but I don’t mind because I mainly drive it back and forth to work (short commute). It’s fun to drive, the handling is very tight and the interior is high quality, quiet and comfortable. Every time a new passenger enters the car they always comment on how nice the interior is. The engine is only 204 horsepower but it is a relatively light car so while not the fastest, it gets the job done. Gas mileage is not so great (~20 mpg city) with moderately aggressive driving. No maintenance issues, though I’d expect that having only 11K miles on it. My coworker has a 2006 version with 250K miles and he’s only had to replace the water pump. The trunk is large relative to the size of car but it is annoying that there is only a small pass-through to the backseat (i.e. the back seats don’t fold down). No other annoyances to mention. This is my first Lexus and I’m impressed with the overall quality. I’m a happy driver. + More »